A new report by Uswitch.com sheds light on the evolving phone habits of UK adults, revealing a significant shift in communication preferences, particularly among younger Britons. The study found that nearly a quarter (23%) of individuals aged 18 to 34 never answer their phones when receiving voice or audio calls.
Scam calls are the primary reason people are hesitant to answer their phones. Apart from this, there is an assumption that an unexpected call means bad news. The survey was conducted between April 9 and April 12, 2024. The report highlights a significant shift in communication preferences among young adults, who now favor social media and voice messages over traditional phone calls.
Social media dominates communication in Uswitch report
The survey reveals that nearly half (48%) of 18-34-year-olds prefer to communicate via social media, while 37% favor voice messages over phone calls. This is a significant difference from older generations, as only 11% of those aged 55 and above prefer social media, while a mere 1% of those aged 35-54 choose voice messages. These findings are emblematic of how UK adults’ phone habits are evolving, particularly among younger age groups.
The younger generation’s preference for non-verbal communication methods is further underscored by the fact that almost two-thirds (61%) of 18-34-year-olds would rather receive a message than a phone call. This trend has contributed to a surge in online messaging, with over 1.3 trillion online messages exchanged between 2012 and 2022.
Comedian Freya Mallard, 26, from Haringey, reflects on this shift in her communication habits. “I would never pick up a phone call unless I’m expecting it,” she says. “We just don’t do spontaneous phone calls anymore – I prefer a voice note; there’s much less pressure that way.” The sentiment resonates with many in her age group, who now see spontaneous calls as intrusive and unnecessary.
Fear of bad news drives changes
One of the most intriguing aspects of UK adults’ phone habits is the association between unexpected phone calls and bad news among younger people More than half (56%) of those aged 18 to 34 assume that an out-of-the-blue call signifies something negative. This perception further fuels the trend of avoiding phone calls, with younger generations increasingly favoring pre-arranged conversations.
Interestingly, this trend is not limited to the younger generation. While 61% of 18 to 34-year-olds prefer text or instant messaging over phone calls, a similar pattern is emerging among older age groups. For example, 1 in 10 (9%) of those aged 35 to 54 also ignore phone calls, reflecting a broader societal shift towards text-based communication.
Scam calls: A major deterrent
Scam calls are why people, especially young adults, hesitate to answer their phones. According to the Uswitch report, nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents cite concerns about scam callers as their primary reason for not picking up. This figure rises to 74% among those aged 55 and above, highlighting the impact of scam calls on UK adults’ phone habits.
The fear of unfamiliar callers is another significant factor, with 50% of respondents stating that they would prefer to find out who the caller is before answering. Busy lifestyles also play a role, with 24% of respondents indicating they are often too busy to take a call, and 23% not wanting to be interrupted.
These concerns have led to a significant reduction in the amount of time Brits spend on the phone, with the average person now spending just five and a half minutes on phone calls each day.
Phone calls still matter for certain news
Despite the overall decline in phone call usage, the study found that many people still believe certain news is worth sharing through a phone call. More than half (59%) of respondents said they are still willing to have a “general chat” over the phone. The women (64%) are more likely than men (53%) to consider this worth a call.
About sharing good news, nearly half (46%) of respondents said they would be offended if a friend or family member didn’t call them to announce positive news. This includes an engagement, promotion, or the birth of a baby. The finding suggests that while younger generations may be moving away from traditional phone calls, the importance of voice communication in specific contexts, particularly in sharing positive news, remains intact.
However, Freya Mallard, who is expecting a baby, plans to announce the birth news on social media rather than calling friends and family. “When my little one arrives, I’m planning to announce the news on social media with a picture – I think it’s the best way to let everyone know and introduce the baby at the same time, without having to think about who I want to tell first and figure out what to actually say if I were to call them,” she said.
While phone calls may be on the decline, the study shows that they still play a crucial role during difficult times. Informing someone of death (57%) and offering support during a tough time (56%) were the top two reasons people consider it worth making a phone call.
The study notes that certain events, such as wishing someone a happy birthday (54%) or calling in sick to work (43%), are still worthy of a phone call.
A decline in phone call duration
The survey also sheds light on the overall decline in phone call duration among Brits. The average time spent on the phone daily has dropped to just five and a half minutes, a stark contrast to previous decades. This decline is partly attributed to busy lifestyles and the growing preference for digital communication.
The Uswitchreport identifies “being busy” and “not wanting to be interrupted” as the third and fourth most popular reasons for not answering the phone. These factors, combined with the fear of scam calls, have led to a significant reduction in the time Brits spend on phone calls, particularly among younger generations.
However, despite this decline, phone calls are still important for specific purposes. The survey highlights that Brits are more likely to pick up the phone for a general chat or share important news. For example, over half (59%) of respondents said they are still happy to have a general chat over the phone, with women more likely to consider this worth a call.
The future of phone habits in the digital age
The Uswitch report suggests that while traditional phone calls may decline, they are far from obsolete. The preference for pre-arranged calls, particularly among younger generations, reflects a shift towards more intentional and planned communication. At the same time, the importance of voice communication for sharing significant life events remains strong.
Simrat Sharma of Uswitch.com notes that while digital communication has become the norm, the traditional phone call still holds value. This is especially true when it comes to sharing big life moments. “In an age of social media, voice notes, and instant messages, it turns out the old-fashioned phone call isn’t quite dead – as long as you pre-arrange a time to speak in advance,” she says.
How to avoid unwanted calls
With the rise of scams and spam calls, it’s no surprise that many people are reluctant to answer their phones. However, there are steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from unwanted calls.
Simrat Sharma advises that all mobile providers offer an automatic voicemail service, allowing genuine callers to leave a message for you to return the call. “Whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, you can also easily block numbers that are repeatedly calling through the settings on your call log,” she adds.
For those receiving a high volume of telemarketing calls, Sharma recommends registering your phone number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) online. However, she cautions that companies may still call you if you’ve previously permitted them. So, it’s advisable to request in writing that they stop calling.
Sharma also warns against scammers who use “false emergencies” to trick individuals into sharing personal information. “Remember, if the call is genuine, they shouldn’t mind if you hang up and call back using an official number,” she says.
Wrap-up
Notably, the landscape of communication in the UK is evolving rapidly. While traditional phone calls may no longer be the default mode of communication, they continue to play a crucial role in specific contexts. As digital communication continues to dominate, it will be interesting to see how the balance between convenience and personal connection evolves in the future.
The Uswitch report offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of UK adults’ phone habits, particularly among younger generations. While the decline in traditional phone calls is evident, the report also highlights the enduring importance of voice communication in certain situations.
In the meantime, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant against scam calls and to make informed decisions about how they choose to communicate. Whether through social media, voice messages, or traditional phone calls. The key is to find a balance that works for each individual while maintaining personal connections in an increasingly digital world.
2024-08-27 15:07:19